Worker cut by skill saw sues construction company

A Jefferson County man has filed suit against a company and its owner, alleging his arm was lacerated after his co-worker cut it with a saw.

Alfred Merrin says he was working construction for defendants Randy Root Enterprises and Randy Root on Dec. 20, 2007, when the incident occurred.

As Merrin was walking past a co-worker who was using an unguarded skill saw, Merrin's left arm was lacerated, according to the complaint filed June 19 in Jefferson County District Court.

"The damage to Plaintiff's arm included severed muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves," the suit states. "This injury resulted in several surgeries."

Because of the incident, Merrin says he suffered severe injury, physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, lost wages and a loss of his earning capacity. He also incurred medical expenses, according to the complaint.

Randy Root Enterprises and Randy Root failed to provide Merrin and his co-workers with safe equipment, failed to provide a safe work environment and failed to properly supervise and enforce safety regulations, the complaint says.

Merrin is seeking unspecified economic, non-economic, exemplary, punitive and excess damages, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest legal rate, attorney's fees and other relief the court deems just.

Jill S. Chatelain of McPherson, Hughes, Bradley, Wimberly, Steele and Chatelain in Port Arthur will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: D184-330.